Importing Goods to Paraguay: Customs & Duty Guide

Importing Goods to Paraguay: What You Need to Know

Whether you are shipping personal belongings, importing products for your business, or simply ordering something online from abroad, understanding Paraguay’s customs system saves you time, money, and frustration. This guide covers the essentials for expats and business owners.

Paraguay’s Customs Framework

Paraguay’s customs authority is the Direccion Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) — the National Customs Directorate. All goods entering Paraguay must pass through customs clearance, whether they arrive by air, land, or river.

As a Mercosur member, Paraguay applies the Common External Tariff (Arancel Externo Comun, AEC) for goods imported from outside the trade bloc. Goods from other Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay) may qualify for reduced or zero tariffs.

Duty Rates and Taxes

Import Duties

Duty rates vary by product category, generally ranging from 0% to 30%:

Product Category	Typical Duty Rate
Raw materials	0-6%
Capital goods (machinery)	0-14%
Electronics	10-20%
Clothing and textiles	20-30%
Vehicles	10-20%
Food products	10-20%
Books and educational materials	0%
Medical equipment	0-6%

Value Added Tax (IVA)

In addition to import duties, IVA (10%) is applied to most imported goods. IVA is calculated on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) plus the duty amount.

Other Charges

• Customs processing fee: Approximately 0.5% of CIF value
• Warehouse fees: If goods are stored at customs facilities
• Broker fees: If using a customs broker (recommended)

Example Calculation

Importing a laptop valued at $1,000 USD:

• CIF value: $1,000
• Import duty (10%): $100
• Subtotal: $1,100
• IVA (10%): $110
• Customs fees (~0.5%): $5
• Total to pay: approximately $1,215 (plus broker fees)

Personal Belongings and Household Goods

Menaje de Casa (Household Effects)

If you are relocating to Paraguay with residency, you may be eligible for duty-free importation of personal and household goods under the menaje de casa provision:

• Available to new residents within the first year of obtaining residency
• Covers furniture, appliances, clothing, personal items, and tools of your trade
• Items must be used (not new) and for personal use
• Requires specific documentation and customs declaration
• One-time benefit — you cannot claim it again

Required Documents for Menaje de Casa

• Residency approval document
• Cedula
• Detailed inventory list of all items (in Spanish)
• Proof of previous residence abroad
• Power of attorney for your customs broker (if not handling personally)

What You Cannot Include

• Brand new, commercially packaged items
• Quantities that suggest commercial intent
• Restricted or prohibited items
• Vehicles (separate process and duties)

Importing for Business

If you are importing goods for your registered business, the process involves additional requirements:

Prerequisites

• RUC — Your company’s tax ID
• Importer registration — Registration as an importer with DNA
• Commercial invoice from the supplier
• Packing list with detailed contents
• Bill of lading or airway bill — shipping documentation
• Certificate of origin — may qualify for reduced Mercosur tariffs

Using a Customs Broker

For business imports, a despachante de aduanas (customs broker) is virtually essential. They handle:

• Classification of goods under the correct tariff codes
• Preparation and submission of customs declarations
• Calculation of duties and taxes
• Coordination with customs officials
• Physical clearance of goods

Broker fees typically range from $100-500 USD per shipment depending on complexity and value.

Online Shopping and Small Packages

Ordering goods online from international retailers has specific rules:

Small Package Exemption

Packages with a declared value under $50 USD may qualify for simplified customs processing with minimal or no duty. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and many packages are assessed regardless of value.

Courier Imports (DHL, FedEx, UPS)

International courier companies handle customs clearance on your behalf for a fee:

• Typically faster than postal service clearance
• Customs fees and duties are calculated and charged to you before delivery
• Processing fees of $20-50 USD per package are common
• For more on courier costs, see our mail forwarding guide

Correo Paraguayo (National Post)

Packages arriving through the national postal service:

• Go to the postal customs office for clearance
• You may need to visit in person to claim and clear the package
• Processing can take 1-4 weeks
• Fees are lower but the process is slower

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Restricted (Require Special Permits)

• Firearms and ammunition (police permit required)
• Pharmaceuticals and medical devices (health authority approval)
• Agricultural products (phytosanitary certificate)
• Live animals (veterinary certificate)
• Telecommunications equipment (CONATEL authorization)
• Chemicals and hazardous materials

Prohibited

• Narcotics and illegal drugs
• Counterfeit goods
• Certain weapons
• Items violating intellectual property rights
• Specific endangered species products

Tips for Smooth Importing

1. Always use a customs broker for significant shipments — the cost is worth the expertise
2. Keep all documentation — invoices, receipts, shipping records, and customs declarations
3. Declare accurately — undervaluing goods is illegal and can result in fines, confiscation, or criminal charges
4. Plan for delays — customs clearance in Paraguay can be slow, especially for first-time importers
5. Understand Mercosur preferences — sourcing from Argentina, Brazil, or Uruguay may reduce or eliminate duties
6. Ask about free trade zones — Ciudad del Este operates a special tax regime that affects imports

Vehicle Imports

Importing a vehicle deserves special mention as it is one of the most common questions from expats:

• Import duties on vehicles: 10-20% depending on type and age
• IVA: 10% on top of duty
• Vehicles older than 10 years face restrictions or higher duties
• Right-hand-drive vehicles are not permitted for road use
• The process is bureaucratic — a customs broker and patience are required

Many expats find it simpler and often cheaper to purchase a vehicle locally rather than importing one.

Managing Import Documentation

Import-related correspondence — customs notices, duty assessments, clearance confirmations — arrives at your registered address. A virtual address from MyPyMail ensures you receive these time-sensitive documents promptly, preventing delays at customs that can result in storage fees.

For more on business operations in Paraguay, read about registering a company and Paraguay’s growing economy.